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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Nurse Midwifes.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Nurse Midwifes.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 8%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Document patients' health histories, symptoms, physical conditions, or other diagnostic information.
Monitor fetal development by listening to fetal heartbeat, taking external uterine measurements, identifying fetal position, or estimating fetal size and weight.
Provide prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, or newborn care to patients.
Nurse midwifery is a specialized field that combines nursing and midwifery, focusing on women's reproductive health, childbirth, and postpartum care. If you're interested in this rewarding career, follow these steps to become a certified nurse midwife (CNM).
Before diving into the educational and certification requirements, it's essential to understand what a nurse midwife does:
The first step in becoming a nurse midwife is to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This provides the foundational knowledge necessary for advanced practice.
After earning your BSN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed.
Most midwifery programs require at least one to two years of nursing experience. Work as an RN in areas related to women's health, such as labor and delivery, to build relevant experience.
Next, you'll need to earn a Master's degree or higher in nurse midwifery from an accredited program. Some programs offer a bridge course for RNs without a BSN.
After completing your graduate degree, you must pass the certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to become a CNM.
With your CNM certification in hand, apply for state licensure to practice as a nurse midwife. Requirements vary by state.
To remain active as a CNM, you'll need to maintain your certification and state licensure through continuing education and recertification.
If desired, further specialize within the field or continue your education. Some CNMs pursue Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees or additional certifications.
By following these steps and committing to ongoing learning and development, you can achieve your goal of becoming a nurse midwife and play a vital role in women's health care.
To become a nurse midwife, you typically need to:
Certifications and licenses required for nurse midwives include:
The time it takes can vary, but typically includes:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Visit BLS for more detailed and up-to-date information.
Nurse midwives work in various settings, including:
They may also work in academic and research positions.
Important skills for nurse midwives include:
Opportunities for advancement may involve:
To maintain certification, nurse midwives must:
For more information on recertification, visit AMCB.
Remember, these FAQs provide a general overview of the nurse midwife career path. Specific requirements can vary by state and employer, so always check local regulations and job listings for detailed criteria.